Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)

This time of year—fall going into winter—I love adding dried organic astragalus root slices to most of my soups, stews and broths. Astragalus has a mild, but sweet & woody flavor that blends nicely with most bases. Astragalus is an immune boosting, bacteria fighting adaptogen which has been used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is now used by many functional medicine and integrative medicine providers. Living in New York City and Denver through a pandemic has underscored for me that we must do what we can to keep our immune systems healthy and working to their full potential.

Astragalus may help protect the body from diseases such as cancer and diabetes. It contains antioxidants, which protect cells against damage and could be useful in treating heart disease. Astragalus is used to protect and support the immune system, preventing colds and upper respiratory infections, lowering blood pressure, treating diabetes, and protecting the liver. When prescribed by an experienced practitioner, doses from 500 mg up to 3,000 mg can be used. At low-to-moderate doses, Astragalus has very few side effects. However, it does interact with a number of other herbs and prescription medications so it is important to be cognizant of these effects and to consult with your functional medicine provider.  I use Astragalus in my integrative medicine practice to help patients enhance effects from chemotherapy while staving off unwanted chemo side effects; treat leukopenia (or low white blood cells); and to enhance the body’s resistance to herpesvirus, HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) & coxsackie viruses. Astragalus can also be utilized as a mild diuretic, meaning it helps rid the body of excess fluid.

I get my Astragalus stash from a trusted purveyor—Mountain Rose Herbs, in Oregon—they have a lovely collection of botanicals, and herbs. You will not be disappointed. Maybe you’ll even find a few holiday gifts there too. I know I have!